MN MN Safe Driving and Special Conditions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When must you yield to a snowplow on a Minnesota highway?
- Always — do not pass or crowd a snowplow in operation (Correct answer)
- Only if the snowplow is blocking your lane
- Only on two-lane roads
- Only when visibility is less than 500 feet
Correct answer: Always — do not pass or crowd a snowplow in operation
Always give snowplows plenty of space — they travel slowly, throw snow, and have limited visibility; never tailgate or pass them closely.
Question 2: In Minnesota, when driving in fog you should:
- Use low-beam headlights and reduce speed (Correct answer)
- Use high-beam headlights to see farther ahead
- Turn on hazard lights and maintain normal speed
- Pull off the road and wait for fog to clear
Correct answer: Use low-beam headlights and reduce speed
In fog, use low beams because high beams reflect off fog particles and reduce visibility; also slow down significantly.
Question 3: What should you do when approaching a highway-rail grade crossing with no signal?
- Slow down, look both ways, and proceed only if no train is approaching (Correct answer)
- Stop completely at every crossing regardless of train activity
- Accelerate through quickly to minimize exposure time
- Honk to warn any approaching train of your presence
Correct answer: Slow down, look both ways, and proceed only if no train is approaching
At uncontrolled crossings, slow down, look both ways for trains, and cross only when it is safe — be aware that trains can approach silently.
Question 4: In Minnesota, what is the recommended technique for steering through a sharp curve?
- Slow before the curve and maintain steady speed through it (Correct answer)
- Brake in the middle of the curve if speed seems too high
- Accelerate through the curve for better stability
- Make quick, short steering inputs throughout the curve
Correct answer: Slow before the curve and maintain steady speed through it
Slow to a safe speed before entering the curve, then maintain steady throttle and smooth steering through it — braking mid-curve can cause a skid.
Question 5: When is it safest to check your mirrors while driving on a Minnesota highway?
- Every 5-8 seconds during normal driving (Correct answer)
- Only when changing lanes
- Only when slowing or stopping
- Every 30 seconds to avoid distraction
Correct answer: Every 5-8 seconds during normal driving
Checking mirrors every 5-8 seconds keeps you aware of the traffic situation around your vehicle without losing focus on the road ahead.
Question 6: What should you do if a tire blows out at highway speed in Minnesota?
- Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer to the shoulder — do not brake hard (Correct answer)
- Brake as hard as possible to stop quickly
- Steer sharply to the nearest exit
- Accelerate briefly to stabilize the vehicle
Correct answer: Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer to the shoulder — do not brake hard
A blowout at speed requires a firm grip, gradual deceleration without hard braking, and controlled steering to the shoulder.
MN MN Safe Driving and Special Conditions 2
When must you yield to a snowplow on a Minnesota highway?